When training camp opened on July 23, who would have guessed that five weeks later, a pair of rookies named Xavier would become two of the most talked about players on the roster?
But that’s surely been the case as fifth-round edge rusher Xavier Thomas made impressive strides after some struggles in OTAs, while undrafted free-agent wide receiver Xavier Weaver overcame an injury during the offseason program to catch everyone’s eye immediately in practice on offense and as a kick returner.
Said receiver-room teammate Michael Wilson, “Kudos to him because he was hurt most of OTAs and not able to participate in a large majority of it, so he really shined bright. Every single practice, he had some type of ‘Wow’ play. Every preseason game, he made some type of catch, some type of run. He contributed to the game in some type of way that made you go, ‘Wow, this kid can play.’
“And he was doing it against starters against some of the good corners on our team too. So it’s absolutely no surprise that he made the 53 and I think he’s gonna be a really special player as long he continues to tread on the track he’s at right now. He’s gonna be a big part of our organization.”
When Jonathan Gannon was asked what Weaver has to do to extend his game, the head coach said, “Keep improving his game. You guys saw, he flashed in practice, in games. I like where he’s at. He has a skillset that’s pretty unique. He can play on fourth down, which went into that decision. You look at the totality of the NFL; we wanted to make sure we kept him. He’s got a bright future ahead if he keeps doing the things that he’s been doing.”
With running back DeeJay Dallas also on the roster, it will be intriguing to see if Weaver has a role as a kick returner in games. He also has to keep working even if there aren’t many offensive snaps available with Marvin Harrison Jr., Wilson, Greg Dortch and perhaps Chris Moore ahead of him on the depth chart prior to the return Zay Jones after five games.
As for Thomas, there should be numerous snaps in the edge-rush rotation with Zaven Collins, Dennis Gardeck, Victor Dimukeje and Jesse Luketa.
Thomas admitted, “I was really uncomfortable in OTAs just learning the new defensive system in regards to the outside linebacker position and the way they teach the technique here and just learning my pass-rush angles and things like that. Honing in on that coming into camp, I really got that under my belt and after I got that down pat, I was really comfortable in regards to my abilities and meshing that together with the defensive scheme and the system. It’s kinda meshed well together.”
Thomas has off-the-charts athletic ability, but important for every player is finding the necessary balance to master the techniques of the position, while enabling those skills to be realized.
“It messes you a little bit in regards to your technique, sometimes just doing things your own way,” Thomas said. “But just hone in on the details of how we do things here and how Coach Rob (outside linebackers coach Rob Rodriguez) teaches it, and how they want it done. Just meshing that in with my athletic ability; it’s worked out well.”
Gannon concluded what Thomas brings to the table, saying, “If you break it down to the three things at that position: rush the quarterback, set a violent edge and drop in coverage, I thought he did a good job in all three of them. He continued to improve from his mistakes as we got going because I thought he was a touch behind when we started camp with those other guys.
“But just kept doing a good job of improving his game, making plays when plays were there for him to make. I like what he’s doing right now. I like where’s he’s at, knowing that he’s got a long way to go too. He knows that.”
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
